MAGA Civil War Explodes: Donald Trump Brands Tucker Carlson a 'Low I.Q. Individual' in New Rant

President Donald Trump branded conservative commentator Tucker Carlson a 'low I.Q. individual' in a blistering Truth Social attack on Friday, signalling a deepening rift within the MAGA movement ahead of the November midterm elections.

The attack followed growing speculation about a potential breakaway political movement, as disagreements over US military involvement in Iran continue to fracture parts of the president's conservative coalition.

Trump unleashed his fury online, targeting Carlson alongside former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie. He dismissed the trio as 'LOSERS ALL' and claimed Carlson's audience had collapsed.

'Tucker Carlson just met with Lightweight 'Former' Congressman, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene, LOSERS ALL!' Trump declared. 'Tucker's 'Views' have fallen through the floor, and will only get worse.'

A Deepening Republican Divide

Carlson built a massive independent following after leaving Fox News Channel in 2023. However, his relationship with the president deteriorated sharply following Trump's decision in February to take the US into war with Iran.

During a podcast appearance in June, Carlson explicitly broke with the Republican Party he had defended for decades. He stated unequivocally that there was 'no chance' he would support the party, while making clear he would not support Democrats either.

The rift widened on 1 August when Greene shared a photograph on X featuring herself alongside Carlson and Massie. Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, also appeared in the gathering at Carlson's cabin in Maine.

Greene argued that their coalition supported Trump in part because he promised to avoid foreign wars. 'But he's betrayed us all,' she stated, insisting their commitment remains focused on American citizens. 'The movement has begun,' she added.

The public defiance has fuelled speculation that Carlson and his allies could help establish a new political party or movement outside the GOP. Such a move could potentially draw conservative voters away from Republican candidates, although its electoral impact remains unclear.

IBTimes UK cannot independently verify private discussions surrounding any potential new party. However, the president has now publicly targeted the group, dedicating a lengthy post to attacking Carlson, Greene and Massie.

Insults and Shifting Allegiances

Trump suggested that Carlson had struggled academically and demanded he take a cognitive test before seeking office. 'Tucker is a loser, and always has been!' the president added.

Carlson enthusiastically endorsed Trump during the 2024 election campaign before later apologising to his audience for what he described as unintentionally misleading them. He now heavilycriticises the administration for what he sees as prioritising foreign and donor interests over those of Americans.

The commentator claimed the administration makes decisions based on what benefits donors and Israel. 'That's not just, like, they are off in the wrong direction, like, that is unacceptable, that's treasonous, it's immoral, it can't continue.'

'So no, I'm out,' Carlson said in June. 'And if I'm out, then I think a lot of other people are out.' The comment reflected Carlson's belief that other Republican voters could follow him, rather than evidence that a mass voter exodus is already under way.

The president also directed his attacks at Greene, calling her a 'highly neurotic young woman'. He claimed she had transformed from an ultra-conservative champion into a liberal 'fool'.

'Marjorie Taylor Brown (Green turns to Brown under stress!), a highly neurotic young woman, went from Ultra Conservative to a Liberal 'Fool,'' Trump wrote. He claimed her break with him followed his refusal to return her calls.

According to Trump, Greene left Congress after he withdrew his endorsement. He declared she was far behind in Georgia polling and had little prospect of winning another race.

Massie received similar treatment, with Trump labelling him a 'totally failed politician'. The president also attacked Massie's legislative record and accused him of obstructing Republican priorities.

'What a team this would be, THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change!' Trump proclaimed. He ended the post with the unusual declaration, 'PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!'

The attacks offer another sign of the increasingly public split between Trump and several prominent figures who once belonged to his political coalition.

The disagreement centres heavily on foreign policy, particularly the administration's handling of Iran and its relationship with Israel.

The prospect of a separate America First movement or third party could complicate Republican politics if it develops into an organised electoral force. For now, however, there is no evidence that Carlson himself intends to run for office, and the scale of any potential voter shift remains unknown.